As we made our way through the winding dungeons, the air grew cooler, and a different kind of excitement hummed between us. Eleanor led the way, clutching a bottle of firewhisky under her arm like it was some sort of treasure. Her steps were confident, her heels clicking against the stone floor, while Poppy and I exchanged glances, both equally curious about what lay ahead.
The entrance to the Slytherin common room came into view, a sleek, stone wall that, when the password was whispered, slid away to reveal the space beyond. The moment we stepped inside, I felt like I had entered a completely different world.
The Slytherin common room was dark and elegant, bathed in shades of green and silver that seemed to shimmer in the low light from the enchanted lanterns lining the walls. The high, arched windows overlooked the depths of the Black Lake, casting an eerie, aquatic glow that made the whole room feel submerged. The heavy, leather sofas were arranged in clusters around the room, some already occupied by groups of Slytherins and a few other students who had somehow gotten invites to the party.
They sat sprawled out, drinks in hand, leaning into each other and talking in low, hushed tones. It felt both dangerous and intoxicating.
The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with the faint echo of music coming from an enchanted phonograph in the corner. A group of Slytherin Quidditch players, already a few drinks in, were huddled together near the fireplace, their shirts slightly disheveled, and their cheeks flushed from both the firewhisky and the high of their earlier win. Tobias Green, the captain, had his arm slung around Finn Abernathy, laughing loudly at something Finn had said. Aiden and Daisy, from the Hufflepuff team, stood not too far from them, clearly trying to hold their own in the midst of the competitive Slytherin crowd, drinks in hand and grins on their faces.
As we stepped deeper into the room, I caught sight of Sebastian leaning casually against one of the far walls, talking to Ominis. His deep brown eyes flickered over to us, and I swore I saw his lips curve slightly into a smirk when he saw me. The dim light of the room highlighted his sharp features—the strong jawline, the way his freckles stood out against his fair skin. His hair, slightly tousled from the game earlier, gave him that usual boyish charm that made my heart skip a beat.
Eleanor, ever bold, strutted forward with a grin. "Alright, ladies, let's get this party started," she said, popping the cork on the firewhisky bottle with a flourish. She poured generous amounts into three cups and handed them to Poppy and me before taking a sip from her own.
Poppy hesitated for a moment, staring down at the amber liquid in her cup before glancing at me with wide eyes. "Are we sure about this?" she whispered, her cheeks already turning pink with anticipation—or maybe nerves.
I laughed, taking a small sip from my cup, the liquid burning its way down my throat in a way that made me cough slightly. "We've made it this far, haven't we?"
Eleanor snorted, overhearing us. "Come on, Poppy. Loosen up! It's just one drink. Plus, the night's only just beginning."
Around us, the party had already started to pick up. More students arrived, a few Gryffindors and Ravenclaws now mixing in with the Slytherins, and the energy in the room became more electric. The Quidditch players were in full celebratory mode, boasting about their win to anyone who would listen, their voices rising over the music. Tobias raised a glass in the air, his words slurring slightly as he gave a half-drunken speech about the match, much to the delight of his team. His eyes lingered on Eleanor for a moment, something mischievous in his expression, and she returned the glance with a knowing smirk.
I took another sip of my drink, the warmth of the firewhisky spreading through me as the room seemed to pulse with life.
As we pushed even further into the common room, I could feel eyes on me—curious, lingering glances as students noticed the emerald-green silk dress I had chosen. It clung to my body in all the right ways, the small slit in the skirt teasing the length of my thigh. The silver heels wrapped elegantly around my calves, and my red curls, now free from the braids, tumbled down my back in soft waves. I was used to being a little overlooked, but tonight, there was no avoiding the attention.
Eleanor gave me a knowing smirk. "Told you that dress would turn heads."
She wasn't wrong. As we passed by groups of students, I saw more than a few Slytherins steal a glance in my direction. Even some of the Quidditch players, tipsy and loose with their words, muttered compliments or raised their glasses toward me. I smiled politely, not paying them much mind. But the shift in the atmosphere was undeniable.
Then I spotted Garreth, standing near the drinks table with a couple of Gryffindors. He was laughing at something one of his friends had said, but when his eyes landed on me, his grin faltered for a moment, replaced by something that looked like pure lust. He took a step toward me, running a hand through his messy red hair.
"Jude! I didn't think you'd make it here so quickly," he said, his usual playful tone coming off as something a bit more eager tonight. His eyes raked over my outfit, lingering just a bit too long on the slit in my dress before meeting my gaze again. "You look... wow."
I felt my cheeks warm at the compliment, though I didn't let it show. "Well, I figured I'd make an appearance," I said with a casual shrug, as if my heart hadn't just skipped a beat under his intense stare.
Garreth's smile widened as he inched closer, but before he could say anything more, I felt another presence beside me. The space around me seemed to shift, as if the air itself had become more charged.
I didn't have to look to know who it was.
"Garreth, mate." came Sebastian's smooth voice, cutting through the conversation like a blade. "Surprised to actually see you here. I thought Gryffindors usually kept to their own."
There was something unmistakably possessive in his tone, though it was masked with that usual teasing lilt. I glanced up at him, and there he was—Sebastian Sallow, his deep brown eyes fixed on Garreth with a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes.
His freckles stood out more than usual, perhaps because of the flush creeping along his cheekbones, firewhisky the probable cause.
He looked effortlessly put-together despite the casual way he leaned against the wall beside me, his hands sat in his pockets, black shirt tucked into his pants with the top few buttons undone.
Garreth chuckled, though the tension between the two boys was palpable. "I don't let things like house rivalries stop me from having a good time. Besides," he said, shooting me a playful wink, "I was hoping to catch up with Jude."
I bit back a smile, sensing the tug-of-war happening between them. Sebastian shifted slightly, moving just a fraction closer to me, his arm brushing mine in a way that felt deliberate. His presence was intoxicating, a mix of confidence and something darker that always seemed to lurk beneath the surface.
"Oh, I'm sure Jude's got plenty of company tonight," Sebastian said, his voice smooth but carrying an underlying edge. He tilted his head, catching my eye. "Don't you, Atlow?"
At the sound of my last name, my stomach fluttered. There was something about the way Sebastian said it, the casual dominance in his voice, that sent a shiver down my spine. His gaze locked onto mine, and for a brief moment, the entire room seemed to fade away. It was just the two of us, standing in a space that felt far too intimate for a crowded party.
I swallowed, forcing a smile. "I suppose I do." My words came out lighter than I intended, but I was thankful they didn't betray the effect he had on me.
Garreth, though still smiling, must have picked up on the shift in energy. He laughed lightly, though it felt a bit forced. "Well, I'll catch up with you later then, Jude. Save me a dance, yeah?"
I nodded, giving him a polite smile. "Of course."
With that, Garreth reluctantly backed away, heading toward his friends, though I could feel his eyes on me for a moment longer before he disappeared into the crowd.
Once he was gone, I let out a small breath I didn't realize I had been holding. Sebastian, still beside me, turned to face me fully now, his lips curving into that familiar smirk.
"You've got Gryffindors lining up for you, Atlow," he teased, though there was a hint of something in his voice—something almost territorial. "Must feel nice to have your pick."
I rolled my eyes, but the smile tugging at my lips betrayed me. "Jealous, Sallow?"
He shrugged, though his gaze stayed locked on mine, deep and probing. "Jealous?" He leaned in slightly, just enough for me to catch the scent of something warm and familiar on him—like smoke and cedarwood, tangling with the scent of alcohol on his breath. "No. Just... keeping an eye on things."
There it was again, that undercurrent of something more. My pulse quickened, but I pushed it down, not wanting to give too much away.
"Right," I replied, my voice quieter than I intended. "Just keeping an eye on things."
Sebastian chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on my face for a moment longer before he straightened up. "Come on," he said, offering his arm with a playful bow. "Let's see what kind of trouble we can find tonight."
I looped my arm through his, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine, and together we moved through the crowd.
As the night deepened, the party in the Slytherin common room swelled with a heady mix of laughter, music, and the clinking of cups. I found myself gravitating toward the drinks table, where Eleanor and Tobias were practically inseparable, their proximity heightened by the effects of alcohol.
Eleanor, in her eye-catching red dress that shimmered with each movement, leaned into Tobias's space, her laughter ringing out more freely than usual.
The dress, hugging her figure and dipping low, gave her an air of unrestrained confidence. Tobias, his dark suit disheveled slightly from the night's revelry, seemed to lean on her for support, his hand resting lightly on her lower back.
They were both tipsy, their conversation punctuated by slurred words and shared, drunken chuckles. Eleanor's head rested against Tobias's shoulder, her fingers occasionally trailing down his arm as she reached for another glass. Tobias's arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer with an easy, affectionate gesture.
Their faces were close, sharing intimate smiles and fleeting kisses, their eyes glassy but warm.
The atmosphere around them buzzed with a mixture of exhilaration and reckless abandon, the soft glow of the party lights casting a warm halo around their entangled forms.
Sebastian stayed close, his presence a comforting anchor amid the shifting crowd. He had a drink in hand too, but he seemed more interested in my reactions than in the alcohol. I poured myself a generous measure of firewhisky, its warmth spreading quickly through my chest as I took a sip. The taste was strong and smoky, and it made my head spin slightly, but in a pleasant way.
"You're holding up well," Sebastian said, leaning closer so I could hear him over the music. His breath was warm against my ear, and his voice carried a note of amusement. "I was half expecting you to be clutching the wall by now."
I laughed, feeling a delightful buzz. "Oh, don't worry. I'm just getting started."
He grinned, and I couldn't help but notice how his eyes sparkled with mischief in the dim light. "That's what I like to hear. But remember, if you start losing your balance, I'm right here to catch you."
We wandered through the crowd together, meandering past groups of students who were either engaged in raucous conversations or dancing with abandon. The heat of the room and the noise of the party felt like a living, breathing entity, wrapping around us as we made our way around.
I took another drink, savoring the sharp kick of the firewhisky. The alcohol seemed to loosen my inhibitions, and I found myself laughing more easily and engaging in conversations with people I would normally shy away from. Sebastian stayed close, his eyes never straying far from me. At one point, I caught him watching me with an intensity that made my heart race. He looked almost... protective.
"You're not exactly blending in, you know," he said with a smirk, clearly enjoying the effect I was having. "With that dress and all. I'd say you're the highlight of the party."
I arched an eyebrow, feeling a flush of warmth, though it could have been the alcohol. "Is that so?"
"Absolutely," he said, his voice dropping to a low, teasing tone. "You've got everyone talking. And not just in the usual way."
His comment made me giggle, and I took another long sip from my glass. "And you? Are you going to spend the whole night just watching me?"
He laughed, a rich sound that was infectious. "I might. But only because I need to make sure you don't get into too much trouble."
"Trouble?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow. "I haven't even started yet."
He leaned in, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Then I'm in for an interesting night."
As the evening wore on, I found myself dancing with various people, my movements becoming looser and more carefree with each drink. Sebastian was never far away, his eyes following me as I mingled and laughed. At one point, he pulled me into a dance, his hands resting lightly on my hips as we swayed to the music. The contact was electric, and I felt a thrill that had nothing to do with the alcohol.
"You're quite the dancer," he said, his voice close to my ear. "You should be careful. I might start thinking you're showing off."
I met his gaze, my smile widening. "Maybe I am."
He laughed softly, a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through me. "Just don't get too carried away. I don't want to be the one stuck taking care of you if you end up overdoing it."
I rolled my eyes playfully. "Don't worry. I've got it under control."
Sebastian raised his cup, his eyes never leaving mine. "Here's to a night of fun, then."
We clinked cups, and I felt the warmth of his gaze as I took a long drink. The night was full of potential, and with Sebastian by my side, it felt like anything could happen.
As I sipped from my cup, feeling the firewhisky's warmth spread through me, I glanced around the room, letting the lively atmosphere wash over me.
That's when I spotted Imelda and Alistair Voss across the room.
They were deep in conversation, but it was Alistair's gaze that caught my attention. His eyes, cold and calculating, raked over me, taking in every detail of my outfit. The way his gaze lingered made a shiver run down my spine, and I instinctively took a step closer to Sebastian.
"What's wrong?" Sebastian asked, noticing my sudden shift in demeanor. His gaze followed mine to where Alistair stood.
I forced a smile, trying to brush off the unease. "Nothing. Just caught Alistair's eyes. He always has a way of making me feel uncomfortable."
Sebastian's expression darkened slightly, his brow furrowing in concern. "If he's bothering you, just let me know. I'll handle it."
I appreciated the offer, though I didn't want to make a scene. "It's fine. I'll just keep my distance."
Sebastian nodded, his hand finding its way to my lower back in a reassuring gesture. "Good plan. Let's focus on having a good time tonight."
Finding myself glancing around the room again, my eyes fell on Poppy sitting on a sofa, her cheeks flushed from the effects of the alcohol.
She was cozied up next to Ominis, who had his wand resting casually on the arm of the couch.
They were deep in conversation, and from the way Poppy was leaning into him, their interaction was more than just friendly. Her laughter was light and carefree, and Ominis's usually reserved demeanor seemed to have melted away in the party's warm atmosphere.
Poppy's eyes were bright with mischief as she playfully nudged Ominis, her hand brushing against his arm. He responded with a soft, teasing smile, his usual stoic expression replaced with a relaxed, almost flirtatious charm.
Their conversation was punctuated with laughter and the occasional, more intimate glance. Poppy's cheeks were pink, not just from the alcohol but from the evident connection she was making with Ominis. It was clear they were enjoying each other's company in a way that went beyond simple friendship.
Sebastian, who had been sipping from his drink with increasing frequency, noticed my gaze and followed it. His smile was lopsided, his words slightly slurred. "Looks like Poppy's having quite the time with Ominis, huh?"
I chuckled, a bit surprised at the sight. "I didn't realize they were this close. They seem to be having a lot of fun."
Sebastian nodded, swaying slightly as he took another swig from his cup. "Yeah, it's, uh, nice to see. Ominis doesn't usually let loose like this. Must be something special... or maybe it's just the party talking."
His gaze lingered on Poppy and Ominis, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
As the music shifted to an upbeat, energetic tune, I felt a surge of excitement. The rhythm was infectious, and despite the alcohol warming my veins, I couldn't resist the urge to dance.
I whirled around, and reached for Sebastian, grabbing his hand that was no longer on my back and pulling him close.
"Oh come on Sebastian!" I tugged harder, willing him further into the dancing crowd, "This song is just far too good to miss." A slightly intoxicated smile spread across my face.
He blinked, surprised but amused, and then smirked as he let himself be pulled further into the dancers. "Alright, Atlow. I didn't take you for such a dancer." He laughed wholeheartedly, looking at me through his thick eyelashes, his brown eyes full of something deep and longing.
I didn't give him a chance to protest further.
With the music pulsing around us, I started to sway to the beat, my movements unsteady but spirited.
Sebastian, still holding my hand, followed my lead, his body pressed close to mine as he adapted to the rhythm.
"You know", I spoke boldly, leaning in to be heard over the music, "You look SO good tonight."
He chuckled, his brown eyes sparkling with a mix of intoxicated humor and something else I couldn't quite place.
"Merlin, Jude. I must say you are making it hard to focus on just dancing."
I felt a sharp thrill at his drunken words, my pulse quickening as I pressed closer to him. "Oh?" I dragged the thumb of my free hand across his bottom lip, "And what's so distracting?"
He leaned in close, his voice low and husky. "It's not the dance moves. Fuck, it's the way you are moving. Makes a bloke want to hold on tighter."
I felt the warmth of his breath on my neck, I responded by letting my body move closer, our hips brushing and I could feel the effect I was having on him.
I let out a playful laugh, spinning around so that my back was against his chest, moving my hips in a way that was both teasing and intimate. "I told you I am full of surprises tonight."
Sebastian's hands slid from my waist to my hips, pulling me impossibly closer as he matched my movements. "You definitely are, Jude Atlow. And I am quite fond of these surprises."
Our bodies were pressed together, his chest warm against my back, his hands steady on my hips.
With every beat of the music, our movements became more synchronized, more fluid. I could feel his heart beating wildly through his shirt, the heat of his breath and the occasional brush of his lips against my neck, making my own heart race faster with every touch.
I decided to turn slightly, giving him a teasing smile over my shoulder. "So, Sallow, how are you finding this surprise?"
His eyes were dark, a mixture of amusement and thick desire as he spoke, his voice low and rough as he replied, "Honestly, fuck. I didn't expect the night to go like this. But I am definitely not complaining"
His hands slid around to my front, fingertips grazing just beneath the curve of my waist, playing with the slit on my dress.
The touch sent a shiver of desire through me, and I couldn't help but lean back into him, feeling his warmth and strength. Our faces were inches apart now, the intensity of his gaze making it hard to look away.
"You know, Sallow," I said, my voice barely above a whisper as I looked up through my lashes to him, "this is kind of nice."
Sebastian's grin widened, and he gently cupped my face with one hand, his thumb brushing slightly against the scar on my cheek. "It really is."
Our faces were so close, I could feel the warmth of his breath against my lips. The connection between us was electric, a mix of anticipation and desire that seemed to build with every beat.
I could see the flicker of something intense in his eyes, and I felt my own heart pounding in response.
As the song reached its climax, our movements slowed, and we swayed gently together. The music seemed to fade into the background, leaving just the two of us in our own private world.
The intensity of the moment was palpable, and I could feel the weight of his gaze on me, the way he seemed to be waiting for something.
Before I could say anything, Sebastian's lips brushed lightly against mine, a soft fleeting kiss that left me breathless.
I felt the surge of ancient magic warm my veins.
He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching mine, a hint of vulnerability in his expression. "Jude... I didn't mean to..."
I placed a finger gently over his lips, silencing him. "It's okay, Sebastian. I think I needed that."
He smiled, a mixture of relief and satisfaction in his eyes. "Good. Because I definitely didn't want to stop.
Just as Sebastian and I were wrapped up in our own little world, the music changed to a lively beat, and Imelda's voice cut through the chatter. She'd climbed onto a chair, her face flushed with excitement.
"Hey everyone! Time for a big game of Truth or Dare!"
The room instantly buzzed with excitement. Laughter and cheers erupted as people scrambled to join the game.
Sebastian and I pulled apart reluctantly, both of us slightly tipsy and caught off guard by the sudden change in plans.
I looked at him, trying to suppress a grin. "Looks like we're up for some Truth or Dare."
Sebastian grinned back, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like it. Shall we?"
I nodded, laughing a little. "Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into."
We made our way over to where Imelda was rallying everyone. She was clearly in her element, loving the attention and the chance to stir things up. Her gaze landed on us, and her smirk widened. "Oh, this should be interesting," she said, her tone dripping with a mix of challenge and disdain.
Sebastian's eyes narrowed playfully, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he nudged me gently as we joined the circle. The game was about to begin, and despite Imelda's comment, the excitement in the room was palpable.
Sebastian and I found a chair and sank into it, his arm draping casually over the back. The heat from his body lingered close to mine, a warm reminder of the dancing we'd just shared. Poppy and Ominis were already settled on a sofa nearby, their laughter slightly muffled by the thick velvet cushions. Ominis leaned in close to Poppy, his lips quirked up in a rare, amused smile, while she sat flushed and smiling, clearly enjoying his company.
Eleanor and Tobias had also dragged themselves away from the drinks table and now sat together in the circle, Eleanor practically glowing in her red dress, while Tobias looked as if he was still getting his bearings, slouched slightly but with a grin plastered on his face. Their flirty whispers didn't go unnoticed, especially with how close they were sitting, Eleanor practically on his knee.
Imelda's smirk grew wider as she looked around the circle, eyes gleaming with the thrill of control. She clapped her hands together and leaned forward slightly. "Alright, who's going first?"